In recent times, international travel has become an integral part of our lives. As the world opens up, more families are looking forward to enjoying their summer vacations in different countries. For families traveling to the UK, there’s great news! The UK government has expanded its eGates service to include 10 and 11-year-old children, making entry into the country faster and smoother for many travelers.
The Expansion of eGates Service
- What Are eGates?
eGates are automated border control systems that allow travelers to pass through passport control quickly and efficiently. These gates use biometric technology to verify the traveler’s identity and validate their entry into the country.
- Successful Trials and Implementation
After conducting successful trials at major ports including Gatwick, Stansted, and Heathrow Airports, the UK government has decided to expand the eGates service to 10 and 11-year-olds. The expansion is set to begin on Monday, 24th July 2023, just in time for the school summer holidays.
- Benefits for Families
The expansion of eGates to include children aged 10 and 11 is expected to benefit thousands of families traveling to the UK. With the YouGov poll indicating that 42% of the UK public plans to travel abroad over the summer, this development will significantly ease the travel process for many families.
- Expected Passenger Volumes
As the world returns to pre-pandemic levels of travel, the UK is expecting over 34 million air arrivals during the summer months. This increased passenger volume highlights the need for efficient and secure border control processes.
- Number of Children Benefitting
It is projected that over 400,000 children aged 10 and 11 years old will use eGates this year, thanks to the expansion of the service.
Immigration Minister’s Statement
According to the UK’s Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick, families with children over the age of 10 will now enjoy quicker entry into the UK using eGates. He emphasized that this nationwide rollout not only makes traveling easier for passengers but also enhances the security of the UK border. Additionally, this move solidifies the UK’s position as a global leader in utilizing cutting-edge technology at its borders.
The UK as a Global Leader in eGate Technology
The UK’s prowess in eGate technology is unparalleled. It processes more passengers through eGates than any other country in the world. Moreover, the UK plans to further improve the customer experience by introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme later this year, along with expanding eVisas. These initiatives are expected to make the travel process even smoother and more streamlined for all visitors.
Nationwide Rollout and Impact
- 15 Air and Rail Ports
The expansion of eGates to include children aged 10 and 11 will be implemented across 15 air and rail ports that currently have 293 eGates.
- Working closely with Port Operators and Airlines
Border Force is actively collaborating with port operators and airlines to ensure that all passengers can have a safe and hassle-free journey this summer.
Vision Box’s Role
Miguel Leitmann, the CEO of Vision-Box, expressed his pride in supplying the technology that enables the UK Home Office and Border Force to be at the forefront of automated border control. The company’s technology has significantly reduced queues and facilitated seamless entry for more than 70 million passengers per year.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
